For the budding architect, the structural engineer, the confectionery maven or anyone with a sense of curiosity and a bit of a sweet tooth, the Opera House in Boothbay Harbor is the place to be on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

In preparation for the 8th annual Gingerbread Spectacular coming in December, the Opera House is once again offering its popular one day only gingerbread house building class. This year’s seminar on how to avoid having your cookie crumble will be taught by master gingerbread house designer Kevin Kiley. The class will last approximately one hour, beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the main performance hall at the Opera House. Wine and soft drinks will be available in the historic second floor bar.

The class is open to all community members and is offered for free, although registration is requested. Kiley will share some of the tricks of the trade that he’s learned over decades of building gingerbread structures such as how to keep the walls straight and the roof from falling down; “fail-proof” recipes for gingerbread, icing, and design hints. Past Gingerbread Spectacular winners will be on hand to help answer questions from both the novice and professional.

The class is open to all ages, but those under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-register by calling the Opera House at 207-633-6855 or by email info@boothbayoperahouse.com.  

Entry forms for bakers and builders entering this year’s Spectacular are available through the Opera House office, open Tuesday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling 207-633-6855.

The Opera House is located at 86 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor.

The annual Gingerbread Spectacular is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14. The annual Dough Ball, the spirited kick off for the Spectacular will be on Friday, Dec. 12.